There is more to electronic e-waste than carelessly discarded batteries. The terminology includes all digital devices and appliances with the potential to be tossed into a landfill, including kitchen microwave ovens as well as old computers. The problem is growing, and not limited to wealthier consumer-oriented countries. Recycling and re-using Austin e-waste both responsibly and profitably is a common goal for many Texas municipalities.

Discarded electronics are more common today because basic economic conditions have improved enough worldwide to allow people to buy and use them. Because the devices are constantly being improved, there is virtually no emphasis on extending the life of older models. The highly-publicized toxic materials they contain grab sensational headlines, but are only one facet of the overall issue.

Within discarded appliances are a host of precious metals. The old cathode ray computer displays are now phased out, but any device containing a printed circuit also holds a small but significant amount of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver. Substances with generally unfamiliar names such as gallium and indium play an important role in flat-screen technology and other innovations, and all have considerable after-market value.

It is impractical to do that extraction on a personal basis, but in large quantities this modern form of mining produces more pure metal than the original ores. Comparatively rare and costly metallic elements are a small fraction of the materials used to manufacture a new smartphone, which also contain significant amounts of copper and other more common metals. The accompanying plastics can also be partially recycled.

The process begins with collecting discarded items profitably. This can be accomplished voluntarily on a small scale by individuals, or more efficiently by larger businesses. In many locations it begins by manually separating the internal components, which removes microchips and processors from their individual frames. The remainder is then run through a device that shreds the material in a way that makes further purification possible.

After being processed to complete the extraction, the purified products are then sold back to manufacturers. The industrialists benefit from this more direct method of mining, and consumers also see personal benefits in the form of a somewhat lower pricing structure. Disposal of outdated equipment in a responsible matter is incredibly important, but is only part of the overall view.

As the amount of this discarded material increases, efforts to promote recycling have been scaled up, but the amount of waste alone still poses health hazards. The effects have been widely documented, and include both mercury and lead poisoning. Children exposed over time to these toxins often have developmental issues, and adults may suffer brain issues or respiratory problems.

The extent of this type of contamination is difficult to accurately track using conventional processes. The issue exists because of current economic and societal realities, and can be solved in a similar manner. Although it is urgent to remind people of the health hazards that uncontrolled e-waste dumping produces, the most practical solution for the long term is further development of business that profits from recycled electronics.